Hiking Product Reviews
There are so many options out there when it come to hiking products and it is hard to figure out what to buy. I gave a bunch of products a try so I could pass on my hiking product reviews to you to hopefully help you make a good decision. I talk about shoes, clothes, backpacks and will keep adding so make sure to check back often.
If you are just getting started and looking for even more information make sure to check out my “Getting Started Tips” page. There I talk to experts, including some brands, about what to look for when picking out new gear. Happy Hiking!
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2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Explore our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for the best outdoor items to delight everyone on your shopping list this season.
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Review: La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Trail- Running Shoes
Read the in-depth review of La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. Find out if these shoes are the right choice for your hiking adventures.
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Review: Kuhl Radikl Outsider Pants
Explore the versatility of Kuhl Radikal Outsider Pants, designed for all terrains and seasons. Read my in-depth review now.
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Review: Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
Learn why the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX is the ideal choice for hikers seeking comfort and support on rugged trails.
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Marmot Minimalist Rain Gear
Read our Marmot Minimalist Rain Gear review to discover if it is the rain gear you need for your hiking adventures.
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Royal Robbins Spring/Summer 25 Style Review
Explore the Royal Robbins review and learn how this brand combines quality with environmental consciousness for minimalist lifestyles.
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Brooke’s Backpacking Kit: Nepal
Explore the beauty and challenges of backpacking Nepal through the Manaslu Circuit, a dream adventure awaits you.
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Review: Vallon Ventures Sunglasses
Explore the Vallon Ventures sunglasses. My review shares experiences and highlights of hiking with this new eyewear brand.
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Review: Helly Hansen Loke 2.0 Rain Jacket
The Helly Hansen Loke 2.0 rain jacket is ideal for outdoor adventures. Learn why it deserves a place in your pack.
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Review: LOWA Renegade Evo GTX
Uncover the features of the LOWA Renegade hiking shoe that make it ideal for every season and terrain in my detailed review.
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Backpacking with Brooke – Gear Up and Get Out There
Follow Brooke’s journey in Backpacking with Brooke and uncover the secrets to enjoying the great outdoors with style and ease.
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Must-Have Jackets from Outdoor Research
Discover the must-have jackets for hiking. Ensure you are protected from the elements with the best jackets from Outdoor Research.
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Review: Danner Trail 2650 Women’s
Discover the Danner Trail 2650 hiking shoes: a thorough review based on real experiences. Find out how they performed on challenging terrains.
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Roam 350 Virtual Leash and Training Collar Review
Experience the benefits of the Roam 350 Virtual Leash: give your dog freedom to explore while maintaining control. Read a pet owner’s review of this innovative product.
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Roll Recovery Products Review
Enhance your recovery routine with Roll Recovery products. Read a real user’s experience with the R1 and SuperPlush shoes.
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2024 Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide
Find the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list with our 2024 Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide. Browse our top picks for outdoor gear and accessories.
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Review: Nemo Resolve 15L Endless Promise Pack
Need a versatile backpack for your next trail adventure? Read the Nemo Resolve 15L Endless Promise Pack review to see if it fits your needs.
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Thule Subterra 2 Backpack and Carry-On Review
Looking for the perfect carry-on luggage? Check out our review of the Thule Subterra 2 backpack and Carry-On to help you decide.
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Get to Know Hiking Water Filters
Avoid running out of water on your hikes. Discover the best hiking water filters to keep you hydrated and safe on the trails.
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Review: FeatherSnap Sout Bird Feeder
Explore the features of the FeatherSnap Scout Bird Feeder, including its camera for bird identification. Enhance your birdwatching experience today.
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Review: Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
Discover the innovative Ombraz Armless Sunglasses for ultimate comfort and protection during outdoor activities.
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Sun Hoodie’s for Hiking: Everything to Know
Sun Hoodies are a great way to stay cool and comfortable in the summer sun. I tested some top brands and here is everything you need to know.
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Review: Melan Sunscreen
Melan Sunscreen is new to the market with a product that matches the great story of the founder and her battle with melanoma. My thoughts on Melan Sunscreen.
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Granite Gear Virga3 55L Ultralight Review
Discover the Ultralight backpacking world with the Granite Gear Virga3 55L pack. Read our in-depth review and find out if it’s the right pack for you.
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La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Wide hiking shoe offers exceptional comfort, traction, and waterproofing for mid-level hikers and backpackers. Its wide fit, advanced Gore-Tex Surround technology, and durable construction make it suitable for challenging terrains. While initial grip on boulders was a concern, the overall performance and longevity make it a valuable investment…
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Review: Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR Women’s
Discover the Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR Women’s running shoes: a blend of technology and versatility for all types of users and terrain.
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Review: Mountain Khakis Ridgeline Hybrid Pants
Looking for lightweight and durable hiking pants? Check out our review of the Mountain Khakis Ridgeline Hybrid pants and see why they are a great choice for outdoor adventures.
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Review: Lemongrass Farms Natural Bug Spray
Looking for a natural bug spray? Check out our review of Lemongrass Farms Natural Bug Spray: a safe and effective way to keep bugs away without harming the environment.
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Icebreaker Base Layers Review
Stay warm and comfortable on your outdoor adventures with IceBreaker base layers. Check out our review from Peru to home!
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Review: Ibex Women’s Indie Hoodie
Discover the versatile and stylish Ibex Women’s Indie Hoodie for your outdoor adventures. Read our honest review and find out if it’s the perfect layer for you.
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Review: Kuhl Konfidant Air Pants
The Kuhl Konfidant Air pants are the a new offering in the Kuhl Pants line. They are full of technology and innovation. My Review.
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2024 FMLT Father’s Day Gift Guide
Celebrate Father’s Day with the perfect gift. Discover our curated gift guide for unique and thoughtful presents.
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Royal Robbins Spring/Summer Style Review
Stay cool and stylish on your adventures with Royal Robbins’ spring and summer collection. We review the top picks for men and women in our exclusive style review.
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Best Underwear for Hiking: Smartwool, SAXX, PAKA, Icebreaker, and BN3TH Compared
Underwear for Hiking With all the backpacks, rain jackets, specialty shoes and loads of other gear for outdoor adventures, it is easy to overlook one of the more important but least thought about aspects of your kit, the underwear. In the winter there are well developed base layers that protect you from the elements but
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Review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Find out if the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are the right choice for your hiking needs. Read our review to learn about their features and performance on the trail.
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La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Review
Looking for a versatile waterproof hiking option? Check out our review of the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX, offering the traction of a boot and the comfort of a trail runner.
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Review: Osprey Talon 22 EF Backpack
Discover the versatility of the Osprey Talon 22 EF backpack. Read our review and find out why it’s a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
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2024 Spring/Summer Hiking Must Haves
Discover the essential gear you need for your 2024 spring/summer hikes. From footwear to backpacks, I’ve got you covered with my top picks.
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Review: Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie
The Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie is a versatile Hoodie that is flexible, breathable and could be perfect for spring mornings. My Review.
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Review: Royal Robbins Alpine MTN Pro Winter Pant
The Royal Robbins Alpine Mtn Pro Winter Pant is a fleece lined, water and wind resistance hiking pant made with recycled materials.
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Review: Mountain Equipment Lumiko Hooded Jacket
Mountain Equipment Lumiko Hooded Men’s Jacket As the days get a bit longer and the winter turns from spring and summer, it is always important to have a lightweight hoody in your pack. The temps can swing and the trails seem to get longer so it is important to have a versatile jacket that is
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Review: Scarpa Moraine Mid Cut Hiker
Scarpa Moraine Mid Cut Hiker One of the most important pieces of gear for any hiker or outdoor lover is a good pair of footwear. While shirts can be changed, footwear will typically be with you for hundreds of miles of trail and backcountry adventure. That makes picking the right footwear crucial. I was recently
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Review: Outdoor Vitals Nebo Windbreaker
Outdoor Vitals Nebo Windbreaker Whether you hike in the high country and mountain passes or through the plains and prairies, there is one thing that is a must have in a pack, a windbreaker. Outdoor Vitals has come up with an ultralight version, the Nebo Windbreaker. I took this lightweight piece through its paces in
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Review: Appalachian Gear All-Paca Hoodie
Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Hoodie In this world of high tech fabrics sometimes its nice to go back to the basics. Alpaca were domesticated around 5,000 years and played a large part in the culture of the pre and Inca people. Today the wool is used for many things, including the Appalachian Gear All-Paca Hoodie.
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Product Review: Osprey Sportlite EF
Osprey Sportlite EF Backpack Review There are more people on the trails these days and that means more body types. Bigger folks have been out wearing gear that didn’t fit exactly right. I know. I was one of them. Osprey has put together a line of packs to help more people be comfortable on the
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Product Review: Oboz Ousel Hiking Shoes
Oboz Ousel Waterproof Low Cut Hiker When it comes to hiking, few items are more important than a good pair of shoes. The shoes provide the traction over the rough terrain, protect your feet from the jagged rocks and hopefully keep you dry! Nothing makes or breaks a hike faster than the hiking shoe. That
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Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide ’23 Vol 1
Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide from The Fatman It seems like just a week ago I was hiking up some mountains and enjoying the long summer days. Now all of a sudden the holiday season is upon us! There are so many products out there for outdoor lovers that it can get a little hard to
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Review: Smartwool Women’s All season Base Layer Plus
Women’s Classic All Season Base Layer Plus There is no worse feeling as a bigger hiker to get motivated to make it to the trails and then not be able to find any clothes or gear that fits. Most outdoor gear is made for smaller bodies which makes it harder for plus-sizes to get out
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Review: Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22 Pack
Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22 backpack As the work landscape changes to a more hybrid model, work/life balance has extended into the backpack world. Why have separate packs for the plane, the office, coffee shop and the trail? That is the question that Mystery Ranch tries to answer with their Catalyst 22 backpack. A hybrid pack
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Review: QuietKat Jeep E-Bike
QuietKat Jeep 1000w E-Bike I have spent a ton of time on the trails but most of that time has been on my feet hiking. I decided to take a decidedly faster approach with my first journey into the E-Bike world. The QuietKat Jeep E-bike was my bike of choice for my first experiment in
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Review: La Sportiva Jackal II Trail Runners
Trail Runners are becoming more popular for hikers. The La Sportiva Jackal II are a lightweight option that might be a an option. My review.
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Review: Klean Kanteen Food Box
Klean Kanteen Food Box kit is a steel and silicone food storage set that is plastic free and dishwasher safe. Here is my review.
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Product Review: Outdoor Research Helium
The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is a lightweight and durable rain jacket and wind breaker that is easily packable. My review.
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Royal Robbins Sustainably Made
Royal Robbins is an outdoor lifestyle brand that is working toward even more sustainably made clothing in their 2023 line.
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Review: Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket
The Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket is an Ultralight jacket that I put through its paces hiking in Colorado. Here is my review.
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Product Review: Adventure Wagon
The Adventure Wagon has new way to look at Van Life with a modular system allowing for ultimate customization. My review of Adventure Wagon.
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Product Review: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II hiking shoe comes in a mid and wide cut. It is a waterproof shoe with good traction. A full review.
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Relive App
The Relive App is an activity tracker that keeps you motivated on the trail and makes social media a snap with their animated maps.
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Introducing Osprey Extended Fit
Osprey’s Extended Fit line of packs is designed for the bigger hiker in mind. Allowing a more traditional fit on a non-traditional body.
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Swany Gloves Product Review
Warm hands are essential on any winter adventure. My review of the Swany X-Calibur glove and Swany Legend Mitten and how they keep you warm.
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Kahtoola MICROspikes Product Review
Hiking in the winter can be great but you need to be prepared with traction devices. My review of the Kahtoola MICROspikes traction devices.
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Mystery Ranch Zoid Cubes Product Review
The Mystery Ranch Zoid Cubes are small packs that do the big job of helping stay organized. I reviewed the packs to see if they could help me.
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Product Review: Oboz Sawtooth X Mid
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid is a solid waterproof hiking boot with strong traction and grip. My review of the Sawtooth X.
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Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters Wide
It is hard to find gear to fit if you are a bigger hiker. That’s why I am excited to review the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters Wide.
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MSR Lightning Trail Snowshoes Review
The MSR Lightning Trail Snowshoe is a nice lightweight option for recreational snowshoers to enjoy the outdoors all winter long.
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Product Review: Costa Lido Sunglasses
The Costa Lido Sunglasses are designed for the water but I took them into the mountains to review how they would do on the trail as well.
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Power on the Trail
Having power on the trail can make a real difference in having a safe and enjoyable time. I tried out two products to help keep you charged.
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Review: Klean Kanteen TKWide 32 Oz Bottle
The Klean Kanteen TKWide 32 Oz insulated water bottle is made from 90% recycled consumer steel and one of the better bottles on the market.
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Product Review: Costa Untangled Pescador
Costa Untangled Pescador sunglasses incorporate recycled fishing nets in the design to make a top notch pair of environmentally minded shades.
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Product Review: Saucony Xodus Ultra
The Saucony Xodus Ultra are a light weight trail runner that holds its own with any outdoor footwear. A review of my hiking in the Xodus.
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Product Review: Kuhl Revolvr Shorts
The Kuhl Revolvr Shorts are a great for a hike or a day around town due to their durability and flexibility. A full review of the shorts.
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Hiking Boots or Trail Runners? Footwear for the Trail.
Footwear is so important on the trail, but was is the best for hiking between hiking boots, hiking shoes, trail runners, or cross trainers.
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Spy Optic Monolith Happy Boost Review
I tried the Spy Optic Monolith 50/50 with Happy Boost and reviewed them to see if they would work on adventures in the outdoors.
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Product Review: Kodiak Selkirk hiking boots
The Kodiak Selkirk is the newest hiker from Kodiak Boots and I put it through the paces to see how it performs on several hikes.
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Product Review: Kuhl Engineered Shirts
There are a ton of options when it comes to hiking shirts. I have tried a lot and wanted to share my thoughts on the Kuhl Engineered Shirts.
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Product Review: Osprey Daylite Sling pack
With one arm injured I looked at finding a single strap backpack to hike in. The Osprey Daylite Sling was a great solution. Here is my review.
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Product Review: Fox River Socks
Looking for the best hiking socks is always a challenge. I reviewed four different styles of Fox River Hiking Socks to find how they are.
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Product Review: Kodiak Stave Hiking Boot
The Kodiak Stave Hiking Boot is a waterproof hiker with an eco-considered design. I put it through some paces for my full review.
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Product Review: Kuhl Kove Travel Rucksack
The Kuhl Kove Travel bag has the classic style and functionality of a classic rucksack and I found it to be very versatile while on a trip.
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Review: Kuhl Revolvr Hiking Pants
I have always been a fan of Kuhl Pants while on the trail and my newest version, the Revolvr, has a lot of great features for me to review.
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Product Review: Foxelli Mx200 Headlamp
If you are going to hike at night you need a good light source. My review of the compact and rechargeable Foxelli MX200 Headlamp.
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Product Review: Osprey Manta 24 Backpack
After trying a few packs, I may finally found a keeper with the Osprey Manta 24 backpack. A review of this versatile and comfortable pack.
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Product Review: Kodiak Skogan Hiking Boot
The Skogan hiking boot from Kodiak Boots is an environmentally minded mid or low cut waterproof hiker that I put to the test.
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Pack Fitting at REI
I knew that pack fitting at REI was a great service before buying a backpack, today I found out they will help even when bought elsewhere.
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Review: Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible Pants
Summer hiking pants need to keep you cool and comfy but also strong enough for the elements. My Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible Pant review.
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Product Review: Kodiak Moncton Boots
When looking for a pair of winter boots you may find your perfect match with Kodiak Moncton Boots. They bring style and function to winter. My review.
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Product Review: Kuhl Klash Hiking Pants
Hiking in the winter requires a good warm set of clothes to be comfortable. Here is my product review of the Kuhl Klash Hiking Pants
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Get to Know: Kodiak Boots
Kodiak Boots is a 110 year old Canadian Boot company. Who better to talk about winter boots and keeping you safe and warm in the city.
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Product Review: Kuhl Transcendr Hiking Pants
When it comes to hiking pants comfort and durability are super important. Here is my review of the Kuhl Traverse Pants.
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Product Review: Keen Targhee III Wide
Hiking shoes can make a hike great or miserable. Here is my review of the Keen Targhee III Wide hiking shoe.
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Product review: Camelbak Octane Dart
When I started I tended to overpack and bring too much for even simple hikes. A smaller hydration pack has made hiking more enjoyable.
If you have a question or topic you would like to me to look into you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. You can also follow me on these social media channels.